How to help your Elementary students prepare for PSSA’s: Part 1 of 2

We can’t believe it is almost time for the PSSA’s! LVA students work incredibly hard during the school year learning and applying many test taking strategies. Our students feel prepared to take on any challenge, but we need the help of our families too! “There is a superhero inside all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape”- Unknown.

Prior to testing, there are many ways families can help their superheroes gain the courage and confidence to power through the PSSAs. In school we work in quiet classrooms; you can try creating a quiet working environment for homework too! Helping your child develop good study habits will directly benefit them in the classroom. Since your child brings homework home most nights, take this opportunity to reinforce the testing strategies that are being taught in school. Having your child double check their assignment, allows you to ask questions about what they have been learning throughout their school day.

All superheroes want to enhance their super powers; one easy way to do this is through reading. In the 4-6 building, we encourage our scholars to read for a minimum of twenty minutes each night. We also have reading incentives, where our students record the amount of minutes that they are reading nightly. Once they reach the goal, the students are rewarded with a reading party. This winter, we held a snowball themed Minute-To-Win-It party! Since our students are challenging themselves to read at home, there are several ways you can help your child take part in our future reading incentive parties. Reading books together with your child is a great way to get started. Even though your child is older, this doesn’t mean you can’t read together! Whether you are reading a picture book with a younger sibling or reading a novel along with your child, the options are endless. While reading, ask your child questions about the text to encourage deeper thinking. These questions may lead to quite an engaging discussion!
During the weeks of the test, there are multiple ways to continue to help your superhero soar! Encourage your child to practice the Mindful Minute as a strategy to calm and destress themselves at the end of the day. Getting to bed on time allows our body the much needed rest we require during this busy time of the year. Each morning, try to start the day with a healthy breakfast and some positive and encouraging morning chatter. Arriving to school on time is also important, as we will need plenty of time to prepare for our busy and productive day! Also, please try to keep your schedule as normal as possible. Reflecting on these thoughtful tips can help your child gain courage to wear their superhero cape with pride!